The Best FURminator Brushes: Reviewed

Written by Katie Melynn Wood
Updated: December 22, 2022
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Whether your pet has long hair or short hair, keeping their coat brushed and in good shape is essential for their overall health. Not only does it encourage good pet hygiene, but it also allows you to see quickly if they have any health concerns with their coat or skin. With the right dog brush or cat brush, it can also be a bonding experience for you and your pet.

Regular brushing can also lead to less pet hair around your home. By removing the old hair using a brush, you can handle shed hair before it gets all over your furniture or carpets. FURminator brushes are some of the best at making sure that your dog or cat has a healthy, gleaming coat and that any shedding hair is taken care of right away.

FURminator brushes are some of the best de-shedding brushes on the market and come in a variety of sizes and uses as well, for both dogs and cats. When selecting a brush, it’s important to consider what your pet’s coat is like, what you need to target and groom, and any other features that you may want.

We’ve researched FURminator’s top brushes to explore which ones are best for dogs, cats, long hair, short hair, and everything in between.

  1. FURminator Long Hair Dog Deshedding Tool
    • This brush targets the undercoat
    • Won't dig into your pet's skin thanks to edge guards
    • Available for dogs and cats
    • Size options are also available 
    Check Chewy Check Amazon
  2. FURminator Dog Grooming Rake
    • Affordable at a third of the cost of some of the higher-priced models
    • Has a row of rotating teeth that get into the undercoat of thick-haired dogs and cats
    • Can also work on some mats and keep the topcoat shiny as well
    • Great for an on-the-go option
    Check Chewy Check Amazon
  3. FURminator Soft Slicker Brush For Dogs, Large
    • Removes any surface dirt or debris and keeps your pet's topcoat tangle-free
    • Your pet will have a noticeably shinier coat after brushing
    • Best used for daily upkeep as part of a grooming regimen
    • Help your pet enjoy being brushed and groomed
    Check Chewy Check Amazon
  4. FURminator Adjustable Dematting
    • Specialized tool for stubborn matts
    • Has curved edges to allow for the safe removal of matts
    • Adjustable so it will work on all animals and all sizes of matts
    • Best used as part of a set of grooming tools
    Check Amazon

Top Picks: The FURminator Brushes Today

#1 Best Overall FURminator Brush: FURminator De-Shedding Tool

In our review, the best overall FURminator brush is the FURminator De-Shedding Tool. This brush targets the pesky undercoat that many other dog brushes and cat brushes fail to reach. It is safe to use and won’t dig into your pet’s skin thanks to edge guards. Customers continually expressed amazement at how much excess hair the de-shedding tool removed from their pet’s coat on the first use. Their pets left lighter, happier, and with less dirt and debris stuck in their fur.

In addition, the FURminator De-Shedding Tool has a rubberized ergonomic handle, which makes grooming more comfortable for both you and your furry friend! The stainless steel blades help to gather any loose hair from your pet’s fur coat as well. As you brush, your pet’s hair collects in the brush. Then you can push the ejector button on top of the brush to eject the fur, making grooming a much cleaner process as well. However, some customers had difficulty with the ejector mechanism not working correctly. In general, this is usually due to using the wrong FURminator brush for the wrong hair type. Also, be sure to brush slowly and check your dog’s skin for anything that is not flat to avoid scraping off scabs, warts, or moles.

When selecting a FURminator de-shedding tool, it’s vital to make sure you pick the one that is made for your pet and their hair length. Options are available for dogs and cats, as well as long-haired and short-haired pets. Size options are also available within each design. By choosing the right option for your pet, you make sure that the tool will reach their undercoat safely without causing damage to their skin or topcoat.

For best results, FURminator recommends using the de-shedding tool once a week. This will depend on your pet’s shedding rate as well as the time of year. Many pets shed more leading up to the hot summer months and may need more frequent grooming.

Pros and Cons of the FURminator De-Shedding Tool

ProsCons
This brush is an excellent way to get rid of loose, dead hair from your pet’s coat and especially from their undercoat.You can’t brush quickly, you need to move slowly so that the hair can collect and so that you don’t scrape off any scabs, moles, or warts.
The thick, ergonomic handle makes it easy and comfortable to use.A few customers had trouble with the ejector mechanism.
The stainless steel blades are solid and durable.
The fur collects in the brush and can be removed by simply pushing the ejector button on top.
This brush removes more hair but keeps the grooming process simpler and cleaner than other options.
Best Overall
FURminator Long Hair Dog Deshedding Tool
  • This brush targets the undercoat
  • Won't dig into your pet's skin thanks to edge guards
  • Available for dogs and cats
  • Size options are also available 
Check Chewy Check Amazon

2. Best on a Budget: FURminator Dog Rake

The FURminator Dog Rake works great for your dog or cat’s coat at just a third of the cost of some of the higher-priced models. It has one row of rotating teeth that get into the undercoat of thick-haired dogs and cats to help remove loose hair. As an all-purpose tool, the dog rake can also work on some smaller mats and keep the topcoat shiny as well. However, be careful if your dog has large mats since the rake is not designed for these and can pull your pet’s hair.

The FURminator Rake helps to prevent mats and tangles and works best for animals with dense or thick fur. It has a nonslip ergonomic handle, making it easy and comfortable to ease.

This rake doesn’t have the customized fit and use of the de-shedding tool and won’t get quite as much hair out. However, it does work great as an on-the-go option that still targets the undercoat and removes dirt and other build-ups. It is a quick and effective tool for quickly removing extra loose hair with minimal discomfort for your pet. If you want to try out a FURminator product before committing to the popular (and more expensive) de-shedding tool, this is our top recommendation due to its effectiveness, ease of use, and affordability.

Pros and Cons of the FURminator Dog Rake

ProsCons
The rake has a nonslip ergonomic handle.It doesn’t remove quite as much hair as the de-shedding tool.
It is nearly a third of the price of many of the other options.It can pull on your dog’s hair if you try to use it on large mats.
The rake’s rotating teeth help to get loose hair from your dog’s undercoat.It may not be as effective on pets with thin hair or single coats.
It is quick and effective for removing loose hair without making your dog uncomfortable.
The rake helps to remove dirt and other build-ups from your dog’s undercoat.
It works great for dogs with double coats and thick or dense fur.
Best on a Budget
FURminator Dog Grooming Rake
  • Affordable at a third of the cost of some of the higher-priced models
  • Has a row of rotating teeth that get into the undercoat of thick-haired dogs and cats
  • Can also work on some mats and keep the topcoat shiny as well
  • Great for an on-the-go option
Check Chewy Check Amazon

3. Best for Daily Use: FURminator Soft Slicker Brush

For daily brushing, a simple brush will keep your dog or cat’s topcoat gleaming and healthy. The FURminator Soft Slicker Brush removes any surface dirt or debris and keeps your pet’s topcoat tangle-free. After daily brushing, your pet will have a noticeably shinier coat. This keeps them looking nice and will reduce the possibility that they ingest something dangerous as they self-groom.

This brush is designed to reduce the amount of pressure felt on your dog’s skin while you’re brushing them, making it a much more comfortable experience for them. The handle is nonslip and ergonomic for you as well. This brush is best suited for silky and wiry coats, as it helps to remove tangles and mats without causing damage to your pet’s coat.

This brush does not target the undercoat or remove excess hair buildup. It is best used for daily upkeep as part of a grooming regimen. The soft bristles can be quite enjoyable for your pet and help them enjoy being brushed and groomed. If your pet is resistant to the de-shedding tool or does not want to sit still for grooming, the soft slicker brush is a good introduction that they are likely to enjoy.

Pros and Cons of the FURminator Soft Slicker Brush

ProsCons
This is a great option for daily brushing to keep your pet’s topcoat healthy and shiny.This brush does not target your pet’s undercoat.
It can help with daily maintenance of your pet’s fur, removing surface debris or dirt and keeping their hair tangle-free.It is not designed to remove excess hair buildup.
The bristles are soft, and many pets enjoy being brushed with this brush.It is not as effective on thick and dense fur.
It can be a great introduction to grooming for pets who haven’t been brushed much before.
The brush is designed with reduced pressure on your pet’s skin.
The non-slip, ergonomic handle makes it easy and comfortable to use.
It helps remove tangles and mats from your pet’s coat without causing damage.
It is designed especially for silky and wiry coats.
Best for Daily Use
FURminator Soft Slicker Brush For Dogs, Large
  • Removes any surface dirt or debris and keeps your pet's topcoat tangle-free
  • Your pet will have a noticeably shinier coat after brushing
  • Best used for daily upkeep as part of a grooming regimen
  • Help your pet enjoy being brushed and groomed
Check Chewy Check Amazon

4. Best for Matted Hair: FURminator Dematting Tool

For stubborn mats, a specialized brush like the FURminator Dematting Tool is the best choice to get your pet’s coat de-matted without causing damage or pain. Mats can easily form in your pet’s fur, especially in pets with long hair, or when their undercoat has a lot of excess hair.

This tool has a nonslip, ergonomic handle, and it is adjustable so it will work on all animals and all sizes of mats. The fur extender tab on the top of the brush adjusts the length so you can use it for all hair lengths and coat types. This makes it easy to get just the right fit for your pet. The dematting tool also has stainless steel curved edges that are scratch resistant and allow for the safe removal of mats. However, it works best on smaller mats; if your pet has large mats, be sure to be extra careful so that you do not hurt their skin by pulling too hard.

The FURminator Dematting Tool is best used only as needed, as it is specifically designed for removing mats. Rather than daily or weekly brushing, the de-matting tool is one that you can pull out when you see a mat forming in your pet’s hair or notice that one is already present. Removing mats keeps your pet more comfortable and healthy. Mats that are left in their coat can become larger and eventually cause skin sores and other health problems.

Pros and Cons of the FURminator Dematting Tool

ProsCons
This brush is specially designed to remove mats without causing pain or damage to your pet’s skin.This tool is not suited for everyday brushing, as it is designed for a specific purpose.
It is adjustable with the extender tab, so it can be used on all hair lengths and coat types.Larger mats require extra care and possibly other tools.
The nonslip handle is ergonomically designed.
The curved edges help to safely remove mats from your pet’s hair.
The curved edges are stainless steel, making them durable and scratch-resistant.
Best for Matted Hair
FURminator Adjustable Dematting
  • Specialized tool for stubborn matts
  • Has curved edges to allow for the safe removal of matts
  • Adjustable so it will work on all animals and all sizes of matts
  • Best used as part of a set of grooming tools
Check Amazon

How to Choose the Best FURminator Brush for Your Pet

When deciding which FURminator brush is best for your pet, it’s important to consider:

  • Your pet’s hair
  • Size
  • Portability

Let’s look at each of these in detail.

Pet’s Hair

There are specialized FURminator brushes for long hair and short hair, as well as those designed specifically for cats and dogs. You should look for one that fits your pet’s hair length since it will accurately groom their topcoat and undercoat. It is also important to consider the condition of your pet’s hair. If they are getting ready to shed, a de-shedding tool is best. If you want something to keep their topcoat shiny and healthy or for daily brushing, a brush is the best choice for you.

Size

Getting a brush that is too large or too small for your pet will make it hard for you to brush them. It could also cause problems with getting to their undercoat. Fortunately, FURminator has three sizes available in each of their main brushes. You can find the right brush for your pet’s hair length, type, and size. This customization is one of the things that sets FURminator apart from other dog brush options.

Portability

Most FURminator brushes are easy to take with you but if you want something that is designed with portability in mind, consider one of their all-purpose options, such as the dog rake. It won’t get to the undercoat or topcoat as thoroughly but it does keep your dog’s coat in good shape and it is lighter and cheaper. If you have to cart around a lot of accessories for your dog, this makes it a bit easier. It is also cheaper to replace if you do forget it during your travels.

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About the Author

Katie is a freelance writer and teaching artist specializing in home, lifestyle, and family topics. Her work has appeared in At Ease Magazine, PEOPLE, and The Spruce, among others. When she is not writing, Katie teaches creative writing with the Apex Arts Magnet Program in Anne Arundel County, Maryland. You can follow Katie @katiemelynnwriter.

The Best FURminator Brushes: Reviewed FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) 

Is it hard to brush a dog?

Depending on the dog breed, size and hair length, brushing your canine friend can take a little effort to get right. But once you have the appropriate brush and know which strokes to use, it’s not difficult.

Getting your dog used to being brushed may take some time. First, let them see and sniff the brush. Reward them with treats for staying calm. To get started, only brush a small area of their fur. If they struggle or try to walk away, stop brushing and try again later. When you do start brushing, make sure to set aside enough time so you can do a thorough job — this will minimize your dog’s discomfort. If you’re still worried about how to proceed, talk to a veterinarian or professional groomer for help.

Is it hard to brush a cat?

Just like dogs, it often depends on the cat and their experience with grooming. Some cats absolutely love being brushed, while others may not too excited about it.

If your cat has never been brushed, they may resist your first few attempts. Do not try and force the issue — it will only make things worse. If immediate grooming is necessary, take your cat to a professional groomer or veterinarian that can properly evaluate the situation.

The key to brushing your cat is being adaptable and trying different things until you find what works for both of you. Choose a calm time and lightly brush along your cat’s back while providing treats or words of encouragement. If they get wiggly, try moving around the house or doing it at different times during the day.

How often should you brush a dog?

Most dogs should be brushed a minimum of twice per week. If your furry friend has an undercoat, you might find yourself brushing more to manage the shedding. A double-coated dog will also require additional care during the spring and summer months to keep the blowing coat in check.

How often should you brush a cat?

To keep your long-haired or medium-haired cat healthy and looking their best, it is recommended that you groom them daily. Short-haired cats usually only need to be groomed about once a week.

Certainly, brushing your cat once or twice a week is great for their coat. You’ll find that as they age and can’t groom as much, these regular sessions are incredibly helpful. Before you start grooming them, take a look at the condition of their fur.

Is a shedding brush good for short hair?

Yes! Even cats and dogs with short hair shed. In fact, some have thick undercoats, even though their hair is short.

Thank you for reading! Have some feedback for us? Contact the AZ Animals editorial team.